Understanding Basic Slot Machine Terminology

As a sharp, gifted and able minded online slot game player, one ought never pick and play just any slot machine haphazardly, unsystematically or at random. Here follows a message of guidance to assist one with basic slot game terminology.

RNG    :    Random Number Generator - This is the name given to the computer chip placed inside the slot machine by the manufacturer.  This chip works even when the slot machine is inactive and not being used, and randomly chooses hundreds of numbers and symbols every second, that is... faster than one can pull the slot handle or press that spin button. Each number selected by the RNG corresponds to a certain symbol combination that is randomly chosen after the 1st coin is dropped or credit played. The fewest programmed combinations are for the Top Jackpot. The RNG is also designed to calculate that particular slot's average payout percentage. No slot machine will pay back its preset payoff % rate every time, as the final result from every spin is randomly chosen.

Reels    :    Number of wheels or reels (usually 3, some slots have 5) showing in the slot window with imprinted symbol combinations.

Slot Schedule    :    Posted information on front of the slot game telling the player what type of slot, coin denomination and win amount is possible for each coin played. This is important information for a player to read!!

Loose / Tight slots    :    Loose slots have better payoffs on average over a period of time, to a "certified" high of 100%.  A slot machine will have a symbol i.e. 2 or 3 cherries, paying 2 coins. These cherries will replace a symbol that doesn't pay, and presto... a loose machine. The more paying symbols a slot machine has, the greater the likelihood of payouts - hence a loose slot.  The reverse holds for a tight slot. 

Up / Down Slot Cycle    :    A Slot machine's average payoff % rate applies over a period of time as long as 1 year. Thus, a slot with a 98% payoff rate will sometimes pay off at 130%, and other times at 50%, sometimes payoff at 28% and other times at 502%. The lower percentages reflect a down slot cycle and the higher percentages an up slot cycle. Can also be known as Sizzling / Sputtering Slot Cycles.

Slots Drop / Hold    :    The amount of money physically put through the slot or into the machine is a drop.  The amount of money not paid out as winnings is a hold.  The 2 figures will determine the slot machines' payout percentage.

Slot Testing    :    When a player plays through one single roll of coins without using any of his accumulated credits, to determine the possible payout percentage for the selected slot machine.

Slot-mix or Slot Placement    :    Usually, the loosest slot machines are put in the high-traffic areas of a casino where other players and passers-by can see players winning often. It is thus important to question and evaluate a slot machines' location.  Crack that slot-mix code, start at the main cashier or change booths in the casino.

Do not play 2 machines at the same time, side-by-side    :    Tight slot machines are placed next to loose slot machines - one gives, one takes...simple.  Rule 2: Do not play next to a winning machine.  

Slot Types / Versions    :    Basic, straight or "flat-top" slot machines have constant Top Jackpot Payouts that remain constant, no matter how much the machine is played.

Multiplier Slots    :    The slot machine  will payout for certain symbols on a graduating scale. On a 3-reel, a player will get 5 coins for a "cherry" playing 1 coin, a 10 payout for 2 coins and 15 payout for 3 coins. The payouts for players playing with 1 coin are way smaller than for maximum wagers. "1'sies" players stop here.

Bonus Multiplier Slots    :    These Slot machines offer larger Top Jackpots as an incentive to players to play maximum coins. The Top Jackpot symbols will also usually only pay with maximum coins, and the reel may only be activated on maximum coins. It is important that players using only 1 coin, who have then lined up i.e. the winning 7s, know this.  Be Warned.  Multiplier "Wild" Symbol Slot Machines    :     the newest versions with bonus credits, scatter pays and free spins include: Multi Jackpot, Triple Double Diamond, Five Times Pay, Cherries 'R' Wild, and Triple Red White & Blue. These games show the same scene - maximum coin wager produces the goods ...  larger winnings... and the Jackpot.

Buy-your-Pay    :    With each coin played, the player activates the posted symbol payout. i.e. Should a player play 1 coin, he will only activate 'cherry' pays.  2 coins activate 'cherries' and 'bars'. Can there be a worse feeling than lining up all 3 top jackpot symbols with only 1 coin played?

Double Machines    :     These slot machine games pay double or triple with winning combinations of certain symbols lined up, e.g. Double Diamond, Triple Diamond, RWB 7's.

Signature Slots    :    Some casinos have their very own brand of slot machines, generally looser slots, to generate the desired PR for the casino.

Progressive Slots    :    These slot games offer accumulating Jackpots, that are dependent upon the amount of monies played through linked bank or carousel slot machines. A larger bankroll is needed and all progressives are at least 3 coin maximum slot games with 2 Jackpot levels - a Primary and Secondary level. Should either Jackpot be won,  the values are reset to minimums for each. Maximum play is compulsory.

Bonus Video Slots    :    And now... the latest gaming trend.  The most graphically loaded, glitziest slot games to have been released. Bonus Slots are also explained or expressed as "branded machines", entertainment-content" "brand recognition", "participation" games, "interactive" & "banking" slot machines. The Bonus Slots name is self-explanatory.  A chance for a 2nd chance - a "bonus round" where the real money can be found.   Regular slot players will recognize the names: Monopoly, Elvis, Let's Make a Deal, Wheel of Fortune, Piggy Bankin', Reel 'Em In. On Bonus Slots players get a sensory overload with an offering of a minimum of 25 themed symbols and story lines, and multiple pay lines - as many as 5 or 9 separate pay lines. The slot games also appeal across the player spectrum with coin denominations starting at a nickel.

So there you are, all you gifted players, in the winning league, and now for some win-speak.

Short Win    :    Large Jackpot win after a small cash outlay.  This is a regular occurrence!

Sound of Rain    :     coins dropping into the holder after a payout.

Slot Club Cards / Comps    :     Players can sign up for freebies and collect the rewards.

Slot Talk    :     Information traded between players, change people and casino slot hosts to lidentify the winning slot machines and assist in a players overall slot game knowledge.

Hit and Run Winner    :    THE BEST ADVICE EVER. If a slot machine does not pay out after 3 to 5 maximum coin spins, move!

Now, find that short win, so you to can hear the sound of rain and get some slot club comps and then get into some slot talk over a short one!